Voices of the Viola II

Voices of the Viola II

Featuring distinguished violists Juan Sebastián Castillo Diaz, Kai Jeff Wong, and Benjamin Phoon, this recital presents an engaging programme spanning the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic traditions. Audiences will experience a rich tapestry of solo, duo, and trio repertoire, showcasing the viola's unique voice through works by J. S. Bach, Carl Stamitz, Alessandro Rolla, Paul Colletti, and Alberto Beetho Díaz Guerrero. Together, these works highlight the instrument's lyrical elegance, virtuosity, and rich chamber music tradition. 

Date: 7 September 2026 (Monday)

Time: 8:00 PM

Venue: Juliette Music & Arts Academy

Programme

• J. S. Bach
• Carl Stamitz
• Alessandro Rolla
• Paul Colletti
• Alberto Beetho Díaz Guerrero

Featuring a captivating selection of viola duets and viola trios.

Join us for an intimate evening of chamber music that celebrates the rich and often-overlooked voice of the viola.

About the Performers

Juan Sebastián Castillo Diaz

With over three decades of professional experience, Juan Sebastián Castillo Diaz is an internationally recognised violist, conductor, and educator. His career spans orchestral performance, conducting, and music education across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

As a conductor, he has led ensembles including the Tokyo Sinfonia, Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Orchestra of the Filipino Youth, Kamerata Kuala Lumpur, and various ensembles in Argentina and Colombia. His conducting training includes studies at the National University of Colombia, the ABRSM Diploma and Licentiate in Orchestra Conducting, and the Juilliard Extension Program under Mark Shapiro, alongside masterclasses with renowned conductors including Jorma Panula, Jeffery Meyer, Harish Shankar, and John Landor.

As a violist, Juan Sebastián has performed with leading orchestras and served as Principal Viola of the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia and the Sun Symphony Orchestra in Vietnam. He has also collaborated with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra of Castilla y León.

A passionate educator, he has served as Adjunct Lecturer at UCSI University, Assistant Conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and co-founder of Juliette Music & Arts Academy. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Orchestra Conducting at the University of Almería, Spain, under Maestro Juan José Navarro.

Kai Jeff Wong

Kai Jeff Wong is a freelance violist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He holds a Master of Music (Performance Studies) from UCSI University and a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he studied under renowned violist Lars Anders Tomter.

Beginning his viola studies at the age of 18 with Ai Wen Thian, Kai Jeff has continued to refine his artistry through mentorship from distinguished violists including Ettore Causa, Jerzy Kosmala, Maxim Rysanov, and Tim Frederiksen.

As an orchestral and chamber musician, he performs regularly with ensembles including Kamerata KL, the Malaysian National Symphony Orchestra, and the Tutan Festival Orchestra. He is also a former member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and has performed with the Danish Youth Ensemble (DUEN) during his studies in Copenhagen.

Kai Jeff has participated in international festivals and masterclasses, including the 48th International Viola Congress in Bangkok, the NCH International Master Course in Dublin, and RondoFest in Penang. His recent performances include the RondoFest 2026 tour in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Passionate about expanding the possibilities of classical music, Kai Jeff explores cross-genre collaborations that connect different musical traditions and art forms through creativity and storytelling.

Benjamin Phoon

Benjamin Phoon is a Malaysian violist and five-string violinist whose performances have taken him across Asia and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. In Summer 2026, he made his German solo debut with the Baden-Baden Philharmonie after participating in the Carl Flesch Academy in Baden-Baden.

As a chamber musician, Benjamin has appeared in recitals at Maison Messmer and Rathaus Baden-Baden in Germany, and has presented solo recitals at Hong Kong City Hall, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, and Köpenick, Berlin. His performances are recognized for their expressive artistry and refined musicianship.

Since 2022, Benjamin has performed with the Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) as a tutti violist. His orchestral career also includes serving as Principal Viola of the Berlin Opera Academy during its 2025 summer season, as well as engagements as Guest Violist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia. Earlier highlights include serving as Co-Principal Viola at the Silpakorn Summer Music Festival in Thailand and the Miyakojima International Music Festival in Japan, as well as a performance at Singapore’s Esplanade.

Alongside his international performing career, Benjamin is passionate about sharing classical music with wider audiences through solo recitals, chamber music, orchestral collaborations, and educational initiatives, continuing to build connections through music across cultures.